Echo News

15 new ambulances to be introduced

THE man in charge of Essex’s ambulance service has announced immediate action will be taken to address the shortfall in double-staffed ambulances.

From Monday extra full-time ambulances are being brought in at 15 stations across the region.

Andrew Morgan, interim chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said the measure could not wait for other improvements he has also pledged to deliver.

The extra, double-staffed (DSA), ambulances will be placed at key locations including Weeley.

It currently has two double-staffed ambulances and one rapid response vehicle.

Last July the trust announced a raft of changes to its rotas in a bid to save £50million but the proposals were met with a wave of opposition. They included some stations losing double-staffed ambulance cover.